Susan J. Ragusahttp://susanjragusa.com/blog
Sun, 30 Oct 2016 20:08:49 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.175838371Why Not Director of Observation to Keep Mission in Sight?http://susanjragusa.com/blog/why-not-director-of-operation-to-keep-mission-in-sight/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/why-not-director-of-operation-to-keep-mission-in-sight/#respondTue, 30 Aug 2016 15:08:30 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4084I’ve been writing a lot about advocacy lately, and to a degree this blog is too. Though it’s more about advocating to ensure that every nonprofit sees clearly needs to be addressed and serves those who are truly in need. I’m prompted by a recent conversation and some tweets that really got me thinking. Here’s [...]

]]>I’ve been writing a lot about advocacy lately, and to a degree this blog is too. Though it’s more about advocating to ensure that every nonprofit sees clearly needs to be addressed and serves those who are truly in need.

I’m prompted by a recent conversation and some tweets that really got me thinking. Here’s what makes me look again at what nonprofits do and how they do it – and how we can do better, in particular here in the Hudson Valley.

Are We Seeing Needs Under Our Noses?

A colleague from my teaching days who has always been deeply passionate about helping children shared this recent experience. She was in a small grocery store in Hyde Park and noticed that one item was under lock and key. Tobacco? Alcohol? “Adult” reading?

Wrong on all counts. Baby formula. The manager explained that it was the item most stolen from the store.

Consider the degree of need. Enough parents are struggling to feed their infants that they’re stealing formula. And not from a megastore but from a local market.

So what does it imply about pertinent services? Are they missing? Is there more need than can be filled? Are that many struggling families unaware of available help?

My point is not to criticize anyone. It’s to spotlight what appears to be a significant problem in our area. There are enough hungry babies and desperate parents that a store is locking up formula. Within the nonprofit community, what do we know of this problem? And if we don’t know, how do we prevent such perilous oversights?

Elevating Mission Focus and Giving It a Name

Which all leads to my second recent aha! It was in a series of tweets about unconventional nonprofit job titles. Pondering potentially overlooked needs and creative ways of thinking about organizational roles, perhaps a solution: Director of Observation.

Okay, that may test even the limits of “unconvention.” But stick with me as I explain my thinking. Keeping mission in focus is important for every nonprofit. At the same time, with many tasks to juggle within most nonprofits, it’s also a challenge. Yet baby formula under lock and key is a heartrending reminder that knowing what’s happening “on the outside” – and when a mission requires a critical adjustment – is essential.

Granted, your organization may not be one to address that specific need. Still, consider what is your mission – and what you may be missing. Why not make mission focus a role, and various ways to observe and assess part of it? That could be setting up a system of regular check-ins with community leaders in the know – say, those in local churches and synagogues, school administrators. It could be cooperating to share information among regional nonprofits with complementary missions.

Even if there’s no surge in Director of Observation as a nonprofit position, I encourage organizations to be serious about keeping mission in mind and making it an ongoing discussion: watching for new needs that fall within that mission and how to adjust services to address those needs. It’s what keeps nonprofits vibrant and relevant within their communities – and what makes wholecommunities healthy and strong.

Looking for help with mission focus? Let’s talk. To read those intriguing tweets, see my most recent Suggested by SJR resources.

]]>http://susanjragusa.com/blog/why-not-director-of-operation-to-keep-mission-in-sight/feed/04084In Praise of Advocacyhttp://susanjragusa.com/blog/in-praise-of-advocacy/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/in-praise-of-advocacy/#respondThu, 30 Jun 2016 13:50:22 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4076Advocacy is trending – and that’s potentially game-changing for nonprofits. I know it predates this year’s presidential campaign, yet I think through the daily deluge of news coverage we’ve been feeling the impact of advocacy and of impassioned advocates. This is not meant to be a political blog, so my only point is the fresh [...]

]]>Advocacy is trending – and that’s potentially game-changing for nonprofits. I know it predates this year’s presidential campaign, yet I think through the daily deluge of news coverage we’ve been feeling the impact of advocacy and of impassioned advocates. This is not meant to be a political blog, so my only point is the fresh evidence that advocacy matters and can have real power to propel a mission.

I’ve long believed that a crucial role of board members is to speak out for the mission of their nonprofit. Now we’re getting organized movement in support of board members as advocates-in-chief. If giving more emphasis to advocacy isn’t yet part of your organization’s grand plan, here’s perspective to consider for getting your board onboard.

Tapping All Through Everyday Advocacy

I love the phrase everyday advocacy. I think it speaks to what advocacy truly is – the daily work of everyone connected with a nonprofit. At heart, it’s the whole purpose of an organization – to advocate for those you seek to help, and in turn, to advocate for your organization’s capacity to fulfill its mission. If you think in those terms, then everything you do as an organization is about advocacy – every meeting, every program, every reach-out to donors and other funders. Making advocacy a common effort can also build a greater sense of unity within an organization.

To be clear, everyday advocacy is not my phrase. It’s comes from an awareness campaign launched by the National Council of Nonprofits and linked to a board-targeted initiative, Stand For Your Mission. As important as it is for everybody associated with a nonprofit to consider their advocacy role every day, it’s essential for board members. Returning to my initial premise, here’s my view on why.

Board Advocacy: Vital Messages and More

I don’t usually take a negative twist, but think about it. What message is sent when a board does not openly advocate for the nonprofit it’s helping to run? After all, there’s an expectation that this group knows and cares deeply about the organization, as well as being an accomplished group of smart and savvy individuals. Not every board member is a gifted speaker – but that’s only one way to advocate. There’s quiet advocacy too, the kind that’s about research and study, of looking ahead to the future and considering what new initiatives can head off the very problems your organization works to address.

Yes, as a long-time nonprofit board member, I know there’s lots to do. There are governing duties, which are key, and providing financial support. And then there’s watching out for the integrity and well-being of an organization, which for many boards is focusing on the financials. But this is where advocacy naturally comes in and can become a central duty. I’ve often encouraged boards to include a “mission moment” in every board meeting – to assess how the organization is fulfilling its mission and brainstorm on how to do it better.

As a board member, I practice what I recommend to others. I’ve represented my organization, Astor Services for Children and Families, at meetings. I know firsthand that advocacy work often requires time beyond board sessions. But, to repeat, there are many ways to advocate – including through another of my soapbox stands, board member activity on social media. Stay tuned for more from me on this topic.

Looking for help with board development, including advocacy? Let’s talk.

]]>http://susanjragusa.com/blog/in-praise-of-advocacy/feed/04076A Champion Of Diversityhttp://susanjragusa.com/blog/a-champion-of-diversity/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/a-champion-of-diversity/#respondFri, 13 May 2016 16:44:12 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4064I’m thrilled that Eleanor Roosevelt will be sharing the $5 bill with Abraham Lincoln. ER is one of my heroes. She’s an inspiring champion of diversity and a leadership role model. I’m fortunate to know of her impact firsthand – both as a resident of Roosevelt country in New York’s Hudson Valley, and as a [...]

]]>I’m thrilled that Eleanor Roosevelt will be sharing the $5 bill with Abraham Lincoln. ER is one of my heroes. She’s an inspiring champion of diversity and a leadership role model. I’m fortunate to know of her impact firsthand – both as a resident of Roosevelt country in New York’s Hudson Valley, and as a nonprofit strategist working for greater diversity within nonprofit organizations – from executive staff to board members to donors.

At a time when messages of inclusion feel sorely needed in our nation and the world, I believe that nonprofits can play a powerful role in demonstrating the value of diversity and developing compassionate leaders and service-minded individuals. For proof, here’s a look at the impact of an organization built on the character and values of Eleanor Roosevelt.

Lionizing Leadership and Service

The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill (ERVK) is a nonprofit organization based at her home, Val-Kill, which is located near President Franklin Roosevelt’s family home and presidential library in Hyde Park. The mission of ERVK is to continue the legacy of the great first lady and humanitarian. In accomplishing that mission it is building relationships with a key audience – young people, and specifically young women.

There are two Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership and Human Rights Legacy programs: Girls’ Leadership Worldwide (GLW), for high school girls, which is held in the summer; and Eleanor Roosevelt Community College Emerging Leaders (ECCEL), for students, female and male, attending community colleges in Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Ulster counties of downstate New York. (Val-Kill is located in Dutchess and the others comprise a neighboring region.)

We might expect that Eleanor Roosevelt would be a remote figure for teen girls today. Not true, says Kathleen Dunham, ERVK executive director. Many girls connect with ER on a very personal level. “Girls are particularly struck by the fact that [ER] was shy, not really outgoing, not happy with her looks; that she suffered through neglectful parents; and [she] still put all of that aside to live her passion. While they come to the program with some knowledge of ER, they learn how those things only made her stronger.”

There’s evidence that those lessons from ER are applied with great success. Surveys from the 2015 program show that the top three areas of growth for participating girls were self-confidence, leadership and commitment to making a difference, with 92% feeling prepared to take on a leadership role in their school or community.

Insights With Impact

To read the girls’ analysis of what they learn during the nine-day GLW institute is to recognize how much meaning can be conveyed through even a relatively short experience. Consider these examples from 2015 alumnae:

“I learned that I can use my feelings I’ve been ashamed of for the greater good. I also realized that truly everyone has the potential to be a leader, and that a leader sees that and is not threatened but rather inspired.” – Myisha, Sudbury, Massachusetts

“My definition of leadership when I first began this journey was completely different. I thought it meant you were the ‘boss’ of the group. But no, now I know how inaccurate that is. Leadership is the act of having a purpose and bringing along others.” – Alana, New York, New York

Who wouldn’t want a Myisha or Alana in their future director’s office, serving on the board or as a loyal donor? Programs for young people can be a great generational investment for nonprofits and yield reciprocal benefits.

ECCEL for community college students also has a strong track record in shaping leaders and impassioned citizens in the Eleanor Roosevelt mold. Interested students apply for the program, which runs through the college year. They typically represent age, gender, racial and ethnic diversity. Recent participants reported these outcomes:

88% said their communication and interpersonal skills improved, preparing them to be more effective leaders and/or team members;

94% felt more prepared to build relationships with business and community leaders;

94% stated the ECCEL program made them more aware and able to identify their strengths and passions and how to use them to pursue personal goals;

94% felt more prepared to take on a leadership role in their school, community or field of interest.

ECCEL alumni may carry their enhanced personal skills and perceptions to other colleges or directly into the workforce. Their influence may be felt at home, on the job, within their communities or beyond. It’s a case for nonprofit (as well as for-profit) support of focused education programs, which might be service-learning at local institutions, to help create a more engaged citizenry.

Believing in Change and Its Power

Chris Roellke is dean of Vassar College and a past ERVK board chairman. Ask what stands out to him about Eleanor Roosevelt as a role model of service and he quotes an enduring ER belief: “‘It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.’ Her commitment to service always brought with it a sincere optimism that efforts to promote change will, in fact, make a tangible difference for those that are disenfranchised.”

And, he adds, “Most noteworthy to me is Eleanor’s ability to work so effectively across differences…. to reach out, listen and embrace a very diverse audience.”

I believe that’s precisely what nonprofits do – or are working to do better. In its own way, every organization is a candle pushing away the darkness. But by pushing toward greater diversity in all areas – and in particular, by targeting young people as change agents and future service leaders – every nonprofit can burn brighter. Think of the collective potential to light the world.

]]>http://susanjragusa.com/blog/a-champion-of-diversity/feed/04064What Does It Take to Collaborate?http://susanjragusa.com/blog/what-does-it-take-to-collaborate/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/what-does-it-take-to-collaborate/#respondWed, 20 Apr 2016 17:57:11 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4061I’ve made a real push for more collaboration in my corner of the nonprofit world. I believe that it’s critical for nonprofits to find common ground and work together. I’ve also acted on my goals to collaborate more within my own sphere. Experience is a great teacher. My belief in collaboration is as firm as [...]

]]>I’ve made a real push for more collaboration in my corner of the nonprofit world. I believe that it’s critical for nonprofits to find common ground and work together. I’ve also acted on my goals to collaborate more within my own sphere.

Experience is a great teacher. My belief in collaboration is as firm as ever. But I’ve been thinking more about what it takes to successfully collaborate. Google collaboration and you’ll get a definition that basically describes working with someone to create something. That sounds simple – but we know it’s not. I’ve come to the conclusion that collaboration requires ground rules. Here are two that I think are essential.

Lead with Integrity

Not long ago, a consultant just starting out asked me for advice about boundaries. She had shared ideas in a preliminary meeting with another professional. She’d found out later that her ideas were being used, despite no follow-up discussion about her services. I always aim to be upbeat in my blog, but I’ll admit, I could commiserate. I’ve had what I thought was an overture to collaboration turn out to be a one-and-done conversation to pick my brain.

I love to network and I’m happy to share information. But integrity matters. I routinely do an integrity self-check – what are my reasons for wanting to work with XYZ? – and I want the same from others. And I believe I’m not alone in that expectation. Collaboration by nature is a two-way street. Of course self-interest motivates collaboration, but a genuine commitment to mutual interest has to fit into the equation. It’s the only way that 1 + 1 can equal 2 – that working together creates a product of shared ideas and effort. Whether you think of it as openness or honesty, integrity is the cornerstone of collaboration. All parties must have it. There’s no path to collaboration without it.

Build with Trust

Integrity is also essential because it’s what allows trust. Think about the nature of any friendship, partnership, relationship. Trust is at the heart of it. For organizations to be trustworthy, trust has to be apparent from within. That means trust among board members and trust between a nonprofit’s top leadership. As trust widens, it expands. As it expands, it strengthens. That makes it a great building block. If integrity is the foundation, trust enables a collaboration to take form.

What else makes collaboration possible? From my experience, everything flows from integrity and trust. Once you have those, other requirements like mutual respect, shared decision-making and equitable effort (or as near as possible) follow naturally. I’m currently part of a collaboration in development that has these qualities. It’s exciting and satisfying to combine ideas, skills and talents and to see the potential of how, together, you can create a greater whole. That’s why collaboration is worth what it takes to make it work.

]]>http://susanjragusa.com/blog/what-does-it-take-to-collaborate/feed/04061When an Event Truly Educateshttp://susanjragusa.com/blog/when-an-event-truly-educates/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/when-an-event-truly-educates/#respondFri, 01 Apr 2016 03:25:38 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4058If you’re new to my blog, here’s an important bit of information about me – my first career was in teaching. I worked with special education students in the Bronx. That’s how I was introduced to Astor Services for Children and Families, where I’ve long served as a board member, and eventually to my present [...]

]]>If you’re new to my blog, here’s an important bit of information about me – my first career was in teaching. I worked with special education students in the Bronx. That’s how I was introduced to Astor Services for Children and Families, where I’ve long served as a board member, and eventually to my present work as a consultant. But the educator in me has never retired. I’m dedicated to professional development and to ensuring that I’m on top of – better yet, ahead of – trends that impact nonprofits.

That knowledge of the now helped give me a seat on a panel discussion of “Fundraising in an Ever-Changing World: The Latest Developments” at the recent New York Nonprofit (NYN) Media FundCon event in Manhattan. I also presented at the 2015 NYN Media conference on marketing. But FundCon was a different experience for another reason. I invited two young members of the Astor development staff, both in their 20s, to attend. Seeing the conference from their perspective offered refreshing insights into what makes for successful events where attendees feel energized by what they learn.

In Tune with Attendees

I spoke on crowdfunding. This open-to-all funding strategy has gained a high profile from lots of press. Yet when I asked how many in the room had launched a crowdfunding event, few hands went up. So I offered a very how-to outline on crowdfunding. Still, I was prepared to alter what I shared to fit the audience – if they knew more, I’d leave out the basics.

And I wasn’t alone in my effort to provide a meaningful presentation. One element of a strong event is including panels that work to be in tune with participants. My Astor colleagues confirmed this perception with praise for the presentations they attended and appreciation for presenters who lingered post-session to talk or mingled during breaks and at lunch. Featured speakers and panelists are resources and as much as schedules allow should be available beyond their slotted time in the program. That’s what elevates the educational value of an event – when sessions are engaging, questions that come to mind later can still be answered, how-to advice can be sought.

Spreading Can-Do Spirit

Large conferences have their purpose, but so do small events like FundCon. There are benefits to more intimate settings that make networking easier and more comfortable, especially for novice attendees. My colleagues summed up their day with a flood of new ideas to try. They’d each heard diverse panels offering fundraising strategies presented with can-do assurance. Both left the conference eager to return to Astor and begin sorting through strategies to decide which to apply first. As one said to me, “This is what I need every couple of months to keep me excited about my work.”

In my classroom days, nothing delighted me more than when I saw my students respond with enthusiasm to learning. I felt a similar satisfaction in sharing FundCon with these two very capable development staffers. Kudos to NYN Media for organizing an event that was truly educational. As they say of teachers, one never knows where the influence will end.

]]>http://susanjragusa.com/blog/when-an-event-truly-educates/feed/04058Are We Creating More Diverse Boards?http://susanjragusa.com/blog/are-we-creating-more-diverse-boards/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/are-we-creating-more-diverse-boards/#respondThu, 25 Feb 2016 23:58:30 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4048We’re in Oscar season, and one thing I enjoy about the lead-up to the awards ceremony is the lineup of Oscar-winning movies on my classic movie channel. There has been controversy this year over the lack of diversity among nominees for the four major acting awards. I’ve thought about that as I watch many of [...]

]]>We’re in Oscar season, and one thing I enjoy about the lead-up to the awards ceremony is the lineup of Oscar-winning movies on my classic movie channel. There has been controversy this year over the lack of diversity among nominees for the four major acting awards. I’ve thought about that as I watch many of the vintage films. For example, as I catch older dramas, say from the ‘50s, with boardroom scenes, I’m struck by the all-white, all-male, “older” boards portrayed.

Yet how far have we actually come in creating more diverse nonprofit boards? I’ve long lobbied for more board diversity. Here’s an update, as I see it.

The Bad, the Good, the Hopeful

I know it’s usual to start with good news. But in this case I don’t think we should soften the blow. Consider how much boards – and nonprofit leadership overall – still look like those Hollywood versions more than a half-century ago. These stats are from the BoardSource 2014 Governance Index: “Is Your Board ‘Normal’?” The focus is on race and age:

90% of board chairs are white.

91% of board chairs are over age 40.

89% of executive directors are white.

94% of executive directors are over age 40.

The 2015 BoardSource study, Leading With Intent: A National Index of Nonprofit Board Practices, offers a further picture of lackluster progress:

25% of boards remain all white.

68% of board members are between ages 40 and 65.

As promised, from the same 2015 study, there’s some good news. The numbers are way too low, but there are these gains:

Persons of color on boards increased from 16% in 2010 to 20% in 2014.

Board members under age 40 increased from 14% in 2010 to 17% in 2014.

And again from the 2015 study, here’s what I see as hopeful:

Looking at board diversity in composition and structure, higher percentages of board leaders express dissatisfaction with current levels of diversity in most categories (race/ethnicity, socioeconomic, persons with a disability, LGBTQ).

Particularly in the areas of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic diversity, expanding diversity is viewed as increasing the ability to advance a nonprofit’s mission.

These points speak to attitude – to recognizing that more diversity is needed and that it contributes to advancing an organization. And it’s going beyond age and race to include a broader definition of diversity. That’s where I see reason for hope. A first step in addressing any problem is acknowledging that you have one.

Power of Inclusion

In preparing this blog, I also I reread an article titled “Reframing Goverance II” by David Renz, from Nonprofit Quarterly last year. It’s a dry title for a provocative piece. In it, Renz makes the case for nonprofits to recognize their need to collaborate – to build essential alliances and coalitions to support their mission. His conclusion is that inclusive organizations are better prepared to create those collaborations.

In particular, Renz nods to young people’s greater willingness to network. As he says, “Cross-generational leadership that blends the wisdom and experience of senior leaders with the curiosity and creativity of younger leaders makes our sector stronger.”

I couldn’t agree more – and the same can be said about all areas of diversity. The question remains: how do we get effectively and substantially to that place of strength in diversity? I don’t have the answers – but I know for certain that the conversation must continue!

]]>http://susanjragusa.com/blog/are-we-creating-more-diverse-boards/feed/04048Resolving To Make A Differencehttp://susanjragusa.com/blog/resolving-to-make-a-difference/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/resolving-to-make-a-difference/#respondTue, 19 Jan 2016 19:10:18 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4041It’s the middle of January and already it feels like the fervor for new year’s resolutions has passed. For myself, the “be a new you” message has never resonated. I don’t begin on January 1 with new intentions, but do I make a resolution. Essentially it’s the same every year – to make a difference [...]

]]>It’s the middle of January and already it feels like the fervor for new year’s resolutions has passed. For myself, the “be a new you” message has never resonated. I don’t begin on January 1 with new intentions, but do I make a resolution. Essentially it’s the same every year – to make a difference in my professional life. It was my goal as a teacher of kids with special needs. It’s my goal as I work with nonprofits on their particular needs.

Naturally, my precise goals change year by year. You may know that January is named for Janus, the Roman god of doors. That coming and going, looking back and looking forward, also speaks to my 2016 goals.

Encouraging Collaborations

This has been on my professional radar since attending a workshop on the topic in 2014: how nonprofits can work together to help the underserved in areas where their missions overlap. I understand organizations want to stay autonomous. Collaborating doesn’t mean giving up your own charter. More so it’s about combining resources. It’s a strategy that I want to help facilitate, with the goal of developing great models that can guide others.

Another type of collaboration that I’ll continue to promote is board use of social media. I see it as a critical way to reach out broadly to donors as partners and invite their collaboration in supporting a nonprofit’s mission. I made the case for board members on Twitter, LinkedIn and the like in several forums last year. A simple tweet can have a huge impact, particularly with data about successes or needs. To round out collaborations, young people as social media tutors for board members is a service-learning concept I’d urge nonprofits to consider.

Getting Ready for Tomorrow

As organizations look ahead, recruiting younger board members is a smart strategy for the future. In fact, I think it’s essential. Members from multiple generations bring their own perspectives on giving, service and how an organization is perceived. It’s vital information for determining how to move forward and considering what may be necessary changes in mission or funding channels. I hear lots of reasons why boards aren’t more diverse – but I don’t buy most of them. There are sound ways to recruit all board members, including GenXers and Millennials, and to educate them in governance roles and other responsibilities. My mantra is always that it can be done – and often by doing it better.

In the same vein, preparing for tomorrow requires good donor stewardship today. This too is a topic that I’m passionate about. Donors want to be acknowledged. Certainly they want to be thanked. But they also want to know how their contributions are being used – in what tangible ways they’re making a difference. Circling back to board members on social media, it’s an ideal medium for keeping donors in the loop.

Moving into 2016

These are all ideas that I’ll continue to emphasize in every way I can. I welcome more opportunities to make a difference through coaching and training, as well as panel presentations. Of course, my dashboard and blog will remain key networks for sharing what I’m seeing that works to help nonprofits thrive.

Interested in pursing an idea or in coaching/training for your nonprofit? Let’s talk!

]]>http://susanjragusa.com/blog/resolving-to-make-a-difference/feed/04041The Risks – and Rewards – of Reinventing a Signature Eventhttp://susanjragusa.com/blog/risks-rewards-reinventing-signature-event/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/risks-rewards-reinventing-signature-event/#respondTue, 19 Jan 2016 04:10:44 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4038Originally posted on Inside Philanthropy There’s a great Bette Davis quote that goes something like, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.” It puts me in mind of the recently departed month and the image of decrepit Father Time ambling out of the year. Certainly for nonprofits that depend on a year-end fundraising blitz, December [...]

There’s a great Bette Davis quote that goes something like, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.” It puts me in mind of the recently departed month and the image of decrepit Father Time ambling out of the year. Certainly for nonprofits that depend on a year-end fundraising blitz, December has never been for the faint of heart. Nor, for that matter, is January, when the donation tally is complete.

That high-stakes setting informs the success story I have to share. Last year, I was part of a daring December initiative. A nonprofit organization of which I’m a board member, Astor Services for Children and Families, took a popular free event and, for the first time, required a contribution to attend. That’s practically the definition of risk-taking for nonprofits. Yet, the outcome was an event that generated positive buzz and raised a significant amount of money—in fact, more than other signature events in recent years. How it was accomplished may be of value to others—at any time of the year.

Art with Therapeutic—and Fundraising—Value

By way of background, Astor Services, based in the Hudson Valley and The Bronx, provides children’s mental health services, child welfare services and early childhood development programs. Until 2015, Astor’s December event, known as Sugar Plum, was essentially a holiday craft fair. The timing often dovetailed with a community-wide celebration honoring the region’s Dutch heritage. Participants shopped for crafts and enjoyed festive music and refreshments. But it was more of a goodwill event than a substantial fundraiser.

The catalyst for change is an inventive art therapy program. Among those Astor serves are young people with behavioral and emotional problems. The “Paint What You Feel” program in abstract expressionism encourages kids to channel strong emotions through a paintbrush using the techniques of masters like Gerhard Richter. The results can be phenomenal—and saleable, providing evidence of the program’s therapeutic value and capacity to unleash impressive talent.

The Power of a Program

As an organization, that was the first key decision in reinventing our holiday event—to refocus around a specific program. As a way to revamp, putting a program literally on display delivered the necessary “wow!” And it aligns with conventional wisdom that people give to programs. No surprise—programs are definable. They’re understandable. They tell donors quickly and clearly a good deal about how an organization fulfills its mission. And programs offer a window on organizational thinking, particularly in terms of innovation. Art therapy isn’t new. Supporting emotional healing on the scale of a Richter-inspired painting is tossing ideas into new territory.

Spotlighting the Paint What You Feel program products elevated the holiday event to signature status and generated a level of excitement that went beyond seasonal good cheer. Comments along the lines of “you’d expect to see this work in an NYC gallery” were consistent. Some of the paintings sold for hundreds of dollars.

Getting the Board Onboard

The other major piece in the retooling process was the decision to sell tickets and charge an entrance fee. It redefined the event and endowed it with signature status. Naturally, it was also the greatest risk. It encouraged donors to expect a great deal more. And it meant a far greater fall—or flop, to get more to the point—if more than the inevitable few were disappointed by the event.

What also made a significant difference in the fundraising outcome was a far stronger show of support from Astor board members. Where in the past only a sprinkling of members attended the Sugar Plum event, the signature version rated a must-attend from nearly the entire board. There was a contribution requirement for board members, but most went beyond their own donations. With the board’s interest in the event piqued, more of the members’ friends and associates were approached to purchase tickets and participate in the event.

Benefits of Fresh Thinking

With year-end success so important, the tendency with fundraising is to play it safe. Stick with what’s familiar. Follow the usual pattern of appeals. So when an organization takes a risk, it’s worth noting. For Astor, between the program focus and funding choices, a previously fun but underwhelming event rocketed to signature status. And given that December 2016 is a long way off, there’s talk at Astor of redefining what “holiday event” implies. There can be many opportunities throughout the year to showcase exciting young artists—to their benefit and the organization’s as well.

]]>http://susanjragusa.com/blog/risks-rewards-reinventing-signature-event/feed/04038Looking for an Antidote to Overload?http://susanjragusa.com/blog/looking-for-an-antidote-to-overload/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/looking-for-an-antidote-to-overload/#respondThu, 17 Dec 2015 14:12:33 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4031OK, I suppose that title has an obvious answer. With end-of-year fundraising and holiday events, December has always been a particular challenge. So it felt like a good month to share a habit I’ve developed this year that I recommend to all: meditation. If your first reaction is some variation on “not for me,” I [...]

]]>OK, I suppose that title has an obvious answer. With end-of-year fundraising and holiday events, December has always been a particular challenge. So it felt like a good month to share a habit I’ve developed this year that I recommend to all: meditation.

If your first reaction is some variation on “not for me,” I get it. I thought the same thing. My energy and constant motion are among my most defining traits. So the idea of quieting myself, especially my mind, seemed a stretch. But I found a meditation app – there are plenty out there – and in no time, it’s become routine. I’m not alone. I’ve read many articles, including one recently in The Wall Street Journal about family meditation, that come to the same conclusions I have. Meditation can help in being more productive, more reflective and a better decision maker.

In Praise of Pausing

First, a disclaimer of sorts: I know there are different practices and philosophies of meditation. I’m not advocating for any particular approach. My own practice is brief and adaptable to wherever I am. I was in Manhattan recently, running between meetings. With my head echoing conversations, I felt in need of a pause. I found a quiet place to sit, clicked onto my meditation app and took a moment to reset.

That’s one major benefit of meditation – it’s refreshing and reenergizing. And consequently, it really does help with productivity. In so many nonprofits, everyone has too much to do. It’s the same fraught mantra – overloaded and overwhelmed. The power of learning to pause is knowing when to stop – to take a moment to mentally sort out information and ideas you’ve collected and to decide what to keep and what to discard. By unloading, you remove mental clutter that can be distracting and slow you down.

Thinking Thoughtfully with Meditation

The balance of power that comes with meditation is not only the potential to get more done but to do it better. We live in a multitasking world, and certainly executive directors and other nonprofit leaders are expected to wear multiple hats and juggle multiple balls. As our devices speed up, there’s also the notion that thinking and creativity do too. But instead, from what I observe too often, it’s taking the first idea rather than finding the best one, or acting on a half-baked plan that falls flat, or taking short cuts that lead to dead ends. Stress fuels this quick thinking that isn’t necessarily good strategy. Meditation is a natural antidote to stress.

Mindfulness is another meditation-type practice. It’s about using techniques such as quiet breathing to achieve a clearer mental focus. “Mindfulness” is a great term because it’s precisely what’s needed in every organization – to be mindful of the big picture and to set priorities that reflect careful thinking on what will move the organization forward. If I can offer one gift to all at this holiday season, it’s the motivation to try some version of mindfulness. Trust me, it will be good for you and your nonprofit.

]]>http://susanjragusa.com/blog/looking-for-an-antidote-to-overload/feed/04031Toasting the Pursuit of Benefiting Allhttp://susanjragusa.com/blog/toasting-the-pursuit-of-benefiting-all/
http://susanjragusa.com/blog/toasting-the-pursuit-of-benefiting-all/#respondMon, 16 Nov 2015 23:44:08 +0000http://susanjragusa.com/blog/?p=4014There’s nothing like sampling a great wine and feeling that you’re contributing to something good. And I’m not referring to the medical data that says wine in moderation can be a boon for your health. Though health is definitely the operative word in this scenario. This is sounding like a riddle, which is not my [...]

There’s nothing like sampling a great wine and feeling that you’re contributing to something good. And I’m not referring to the medical data that says wine in moderation can be a boon for your health. Though health is definitely the operative word in this scenario.

This is sounding like a riddle, which is not my intent. Rather, it’s a snippet from my recent Oregon vacation and my growing interest in B Corporations. As one more means of meeting the ever-expanding needs in the world, I view the spread of B Corps as a very positive development.

Going Beyond Wine Wages

To start, a quick tutorial on B Corporations. The “B” is for “Benefit” though “better” and “best” are also associated with B Corp sensibilities. Essentially it’s a business that, as the B Corp slogan goes, aims to be best for the world. To be certified as a B Corporation, a company must meet a set of standards for how it operates, with the clear goal of elevating more than the bottom line. B Corps take as their mission supporting all stakeholders – including workers, community and environment.

I got some intense and delicious cases in point of do-good passion in Oregon’s Pinot Noir country. On tour at local wineries, I frequently noted membership in ¡Salud!, a collaboration between Oregon winemakers and health care professionals to provide health services to seasonal workers and their families. One B Corp winery donates each $10 tasting fee to the fund. As ¡Salud! explains, preventative care is often missing for migrant families. The wineries that depend on these vineyard workers recognize that going beyond wages to also support individual and family health benefits all.

Building a Movement

Closer to home, we have an inspiring example of collaboration to benefit all in the O+ Festival in Kingston, New York. Full disclosure: I’ve worked with O+ on this keystone event. It’s three days of music and arts held annually to support the O+ Clinic, where participating artist members can receive health services from contributing doctors, dentists and others. To clarify, O+ is a nonprofit, not a B Corp. The coast-to-coast connection is in the health care focus and attention to serving broader community needs in the festival design. O+ describes it best: “By programming the festival’s art and music events in various venues (bars, restaurants, storefronts, even offices) throughout one [Kingston] neighborhood, O+ supports and unites local businesses and residents, artists, musicians, and doctors, strengthening the fabric of a community to make it stronger, more sustainable and more vibrant.”

Naturally, health care is only one of many needs begging for innovative solutions today. In ¡Salud! and the O+ Festival, and B Corporations generally, I see models to consider. It’s about forming more partnerships and collaborations that bring more people and more types of entities into the fight. Nonprofits can’t do it alone. B Corps represent a powerful ally, aligned in the fundamental concept of giving back. As we approach the season of thanks and goodwill, I raise my glass to all.